Otitis Media with Effusion and Adenoid Hypertrophy

Background: Otitis media with effusion (OME) is the presence of fluid in the middle ear without acute infection, commonly resulting from Eustachian tube dysfunction. Adenoid hypertrophy is a major contributing factor, as enlarged adenoids can obstruct the Eustachian tube and promote effusion formation. Aim of this study is to determine the frequency of otitis media with effusion (OME) in patients with adenoid hypertrophy.    Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at department of Otorhinolaryngology, Bakhtawar Amin Hospital, Multan, from November 2023 to October 2024. Sampling technique was non probability consecutive sampling. A total of 110 patients underwent tympanometry using a 226 Hz probe tone were included. An ear canal volume of 0.3 to 1 mL was considered normal. Main variables of study were duration of OSM, frequency if DNS, nasal polyps, bottle feeding and monthly income of family. SPSS version 27 was used to calculate mean and SD, chi-square test was applied to see association among categorical variables and t-test on numerical variables. P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Of the 110 children included, 36 (32.7%) had otitis media with effusion (OME). OME was significantly more prevalent among children aged 1–5 years than those aged 6–10 years (47.5% vs. 24.3%; p = 0.013) and was significantly associated with lower monthly household income (p = 0.009). No significant associations were observed between OME and gender, duration of OSM, bottle feeding, deviated nasal septum, or nasal polyps (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study found a high prevalence of otitis media with effusion (OME) in children with adenoid hypertrophy. Therefore, routine screening for OME should be incorporated into the evaluation of these patients to ensure early management and improved hearing outcomes.